“Talking to Animal Control, they’ve had some cases in the past. Bottom-line, it’s illegal to have an exotic pet,” he says.

The bust by the Tactical Narcotics Team was the result of an investigation into drug trafficking taking place at Golden’s home on Gleneagle Drive in Jessup, Md. The officers seized 159 grams of marijuana, paraphernalia, $792 in cash and other substances now being analyzed by the county’s crime lab.

It’s not clear if the alligator was guarding anything or what its purpose was, but Mulcahy says officers immediately called Animal Control who transported the alligator, who they say was in good health.

Golden is charged with possession with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana. Evidence at the home confirms Golden is an associate of the Dead Man Inc. gang, police say.

The reptile has been moved to another facility for exotic animals, police say, and the investigation into Golden continues.